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Hawthorn

Hawthorn
Photo: Delwyn Thomas
Invasive Plant
Hawthorn
Crataegus monogyna
 

A large prickly deciduous shrub or small tree to 10 m that was previously grown for hedges or cheap barrier fences. These plants form a dense, impenetrable thicket and can dominate the under story of bushland. Now prevalent along roadsides invading natural bushland and unproductive farmland.

 

HOW IT SPREADS

  • This plant produces copious bunches of scarlet red fruits spread by birds, small mammals and machinery.
 
 
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Alternative Plants

Betchel's Crab Apple
Photo: Macbird Floraprint
Alternative Plant Betchel's Crab Apple
Malus ioensis 'Plena'
Berried Plants
 

A sought after deciduous tree to 6 m high with excellent spring floral display. Mildly fragrant double rose-like flowers with prominent yellow stamens appear in late spring followed by a sparse quantity of small, green crab apples. This small tree prefers well-drained soils in full-sun to partial shade. The rich red and orange autumn colours are an additional feature of this tree. An ideal feature tree.

Japanese Flowering Crab Apple
Photo: Fleming's Nurseries
Alternative Plant Japanese Flowering Crab Apple
Malus floribunda
Berried Plants
 

An attractive deciduous tree to 5 m high and wide. Single flowers are mildly fragrant and borne in abundant clusters from mid-spring. The reddish-pink outer of the petals fades to pink and the inside of the petals fades to white followed by small insignificant yellow and red crab apples Once established, this species can tolerate drought. Grows best in full-sun.

Prickly Box, Sweet Bursaria, Blackthorn, Christmas Bush
Photo: Mallee Native Plants
Alternative Plant Prickly Box, Sweet Bursaria, Blackthorn, Christmas Bush
Bursaria spinosa
Trees and Shrubs
 

This hardy Tasmanian native shrub grown to 4 m high. Its dense, prickly branches provide protection for smaller birds against predators. The flowers are creamy-white, sweetly scented and borne in dense terminal panicles. Flowers are usually seen in mid summer, around Christmas and are followed by attractive seed capsules. It prefers a sunny or lightly shaded situation in reasonably drained soils.

 
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